West Virginia Democrat. [volume] (Charles Town, W. Va.) 1885-1890, 1887-04-22

abOc AlOAAA
adelphia and NewYork, to Cncin
natl and other points, would be less
than from Harper's Ferry to the
same points, and even from Harper's
Ferry to Baltimore, the enterprise
had to be abandoned, to await the
mercy and condescension of the
railroad masters of trade and COM
mcrce.
(The Interstate Commerce bill
gives the Federal commission power
to suspend, in its discretion, the pro-
hibition against charging more for
short than for longer distance.
The Governor argues strongly
against giving this power to any
commission, and he again urges the
views, on this point, presented with
so much force in his last message.
While fully in accord with his Ex-
celleucy on this subject, the DEMO
Graf is of opinion that for the pre-
sent. at least, it is wiser for our
State law to follow, as closely as
possible, the law of Congress-
1t is hardly necessary to say that
the Interstate Commerce Act does
not apply to, nor affect the subject
of railroad charges, when the service
is performed entirely within the
State. and that this can be control
led, alone, by State legislation.
The freight schedules made out
and posted Mt railroad offices, in this
State, since the Interstate Com
merce Act went into effect, show that
in many instances, the local charges
have actually been doubled. The
system has already been inaugural
ed of extorting from our people on
local charges, what the Interstate
Commerce Act has prohibited on
through freights. AS one form of
oppression is abolished, others are
invented. Does the generosity of
West Virginia, as exhibited in the
most liberal laws upon the subject
of railroads to be fonnd within the
United States, invite these new ex
actions?
| assert as an indisputable fact,
that the laws of no portion of this
country afford greater facilities for
railroad property, than do the laws
of this State, while but few States
in the Union, have done so little to
protect the agricultural, mining,
manufacturing and commercial in
dustries from being shorn of their
legitimate profits through excessive
and extortionate freight charges.
Do not these various industries de
mand as much consideration as rail
roads: Q
We can look to no other source for
the regulation of local freight and
passenger charges, but to our own
Legislature. Surely, at least, the
same degree Of protection should be
secured to the people in State, that
Congress has provided for inter
State commerce. With profound
Difference and respect, l submit that
the constitutional requirement ofour
State should be carried into effect
by the Legislative Department.
In performing what l conceive to
be nv constitutional obligation, and
my official duty to the most import
ant interests of the State, | renew
nv recommendation for "such legis'
lation upon this subject as will Sc
cure even handed justice to both the
railroads and the people. | especi-
ally recommend that, both as to pas
sengers and property, greater
charge for q shorter than a longer
distance, and every species OF dis
elimination against, or in favor of,
individuals or localities, and every
means by which it may be accom-
plished, be absolutely prohibited.
That a commission be created, with
such authority as may be necessary
for the application and execution of
the law, and to obtain such relief as
NAV be had from Federal law, and
that adequate penalties be provided
to secure respect and obedience.
V. To prohibit railroad companies
from carrying or conveying public
officers. over their roads, free of
charge, or at q less charge than
the usual rate for other persons,
and to abolish, absolutely, the free
pass system.
VI. To prohibit railroad companies
from carrying or conveying dele
gates to political conventions owe
their roads free of charge, or at a
less charge than is made for all
other such delegates to such con-
ventions; and to define what shall
constitute political convention.
VII. To prohibit the use of money
and all other improper, fraudulent
and corrupt means to secure NOM
nations, by political parties, or
election to, public office.
Because l believe it to be right
and in conformity to the overwhelm-
ing sentiment of the people, and for
the reasons suggested bym message at
your last January session, again
recommend adequate legislation up